Today (Friday, 1 October, 2021), adults living with severe corneal inflammation from dry eye disease (DED) that has not improved with the use of artificial tears, will gain affordable access to a new, once-daily treatment option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

In-licensed for the first time in Australia by Seqirus – a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSL – from leading ophthalmic company, Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Ikervis contains the disease modifying treatment, ciclosporin, used to reduce inflammation associated with severe keratitis in DED.

According to Ophthalmologist, Clinician Scientist, Ophthalmic Surgeon, and Chair of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, Professor Stephanie Watson, Sydney, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating DED cases due to increased mask use and screen time.

“We have seen a marked increase in dry eye symptoms among mask users. Typically, dry eye disease affects women more than men. According to a US study, women are almost three times more likely to develop DED than men and often progress to more severe forms of the disease earlier than men,” said Prof. Watson.

“Keratitis, a condition involving inflammation of the cornea, can be a complication for some patients with DED. Patients with severe keratitis from DED typically present with eye surface damage and inflammation that can sometimes feel like an irritating, itchy or burning sensation with possible blurry vision.

“Patients with severe inflammation of the cornea from DED are often managed with a number of different treatment options, which can be costly for a condition that requires ongoing management. A new subsidised treatment option will improve access for these patients,” Prof. Watson said.

“Severe inflammation of the cornea from dry eye disease is complicated by a difficult cycle involving inflammation of the eye and damage to the eye surface. Treatment options targeting the immune system, are therefore needed to manage these complications from DED, and break the cycle of inflammation,” said Dr Margaret Lam, Optometrist, Head of Professional Services at George and Matilda Eyecare and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, UNSW.

“Artificial tears aim to provide symptom relief for DED, but don’t address the underlying cause of severe corneal inflammation. In these cases, inflammation-reducing treatment options are required.

“Today’s PBS listing of another treatment option for severe keratitis in adults with DED, is therefore welcome news for ophthalmologists, optometrists and patients alike,” Dr Lam said.

Executive Chair of The B Team Australasia, Lynette, Sydney has spent the past 16 years living with severe corneal inflammation from DED. Soon after undergoing cataract surgery on both of her eyes in 2005, her eyes became extremely irritated, and she developed double vision. Little did she know at the time, her cataract surgery, coupled with a delayed diagnosis, and her advancing age, would result in her developing severe corneal inflammation from DED.

“I’m often unable to see things. For instance, I have to carry a magnifying glass when my eyes get blurry, or I develop double vision. Even at the supermarket I have to carry a magnifying glass to read the food labels,” said Lynette.

“When people ask me to look at something for them at work, whether it is a document, or on screen, depending on the health of my eyes at the time, I find it really difficult.”

Lynette maintains it is important for Australian adults living with severe corneal inflammation from DED to have timely access to a range of treatment options.

“Had my eye disease been detected earlier, it may not have had such an impact on my life,” Lynette said.

Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs for the International Region, Dr Jonathan Anderson, Melbourne, said Seqirus is excited to be introducing the company’s second PBS listed treatment option to the eye care market this year.

“Seqirus is committed to broadening access to eye care products to help address unmet clinical needs,” said Dr Anderson.

“Today’s PBS listing of Ikervis for severe keratitis in adults with DED, will give Australians access to another treatment option that has long been available overseas.”

To learn more about Ikervis, click here.